*PRESS STATEMENT ON THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the controversy surrounding the Senate’s position on the transmission of election results ahead of the 2026 general elections.
This development is already creating room for doubt and mistrust in the electoral process among Nigerians.
The uncertainty arising from the Senate’s adoption of provisions in the proposed 2022 Electoral Act—allowing for the transmission of election results without making it mandatory and immediate—runs contrary to the widely held position of most Nigerians and many lawmakers.
The resulting public outrage has pitted citizens against the Senate and could potentially discourage voter participation in future elections.
At a time when Nigerians are calling for mandatory and immediate transmission of election results from polling units to central collation centres—and as countries across the world adopt electronic transmission as part of electoral reforms to enhance transparency—the Senate’s position leaves much to be desired.
To say the least, this stance represents a missed opportunity to strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
It undermines ongoing efforts to deepen democratic governance and ensure credible elections.
Globally, mandatory electronic transmission of election results has become a standard for improving electoral credibility and efficiency.
Nigeria should not be an exception. As the Senate reconvenes tomorrow (February 10, 2026), to harmonise its position with that of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly still has an opportunity to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity by approving mandatory and immediate transmission of election results from polling units to the INEC central server and collation centres.
Such a decision would lay a solid foundation for free and fair elections and help deepen democracy.
The digitalisation of elections—anchored on real-time transmission of results—will enhance transparency, efficiency, accuracy, and voter confidence. It will also streamline election result management, reduce disputes, minimise controversies, and significantly curb electoral fraud.
Electoral reforms, when combined with digital innovation, strengthen democratic processes and boost public trust. Making the transmission of election results mandatory and immediate is therefore critical to achieving credible elections in Nigeria.
Nigerians are watching the National Assembly closely on this issue. We expect that, in the harmonised provisions of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the transmission of election results from polling units to INEC central servers and collation centres will be made mandatory and immediate.
Anything short of this will be out of step with contemporary and progressive electoral practices. Mandatory and immediate transmission of election results will not only enhance free and fair elections but also give Nigerians the confidence that their votes will truly count.
Signed:
*Eze Anaba
President
*Onuoha Ukeh
General Secretary
